We can’t wait for Trent Bridge, says England’s king of swing

Richard Gibson

Fellow fast bowler Glenn McGrath suggested the home team had missed their opportunity of winning back the trophy after falling one wicket short of going 2-1 up with two to play. But Glamorgan paceman Jones, 26 buoyed by a career-best performance of six for 53 in the first innings is enthused about the prospects of a third consecutive Test of English dominance when the fourth Ashes instalment begins in Nottingham next week.

"The team are looking forward to the next Test match at Trent Bridge," said Jones. "We've played two back-to-back Tests, so there were some tired bodies on Monday night. But overall we realise if we can play to our potential we can really give this Aussie team a good run for their money," said Jones.

"Personally I can't wait it should be another great encounter. I think we have a real chance, we've shown that we can compete against this Australian side. We know we have to play to our potential to have a chance of winning but we feel we can do that.

"As a team we can be extremely proud of the manner in which we've played our cricket so far and the performance we put in over the course of the last match. Australia are ranked the best side in the world, and yet we came out on top during every session of play."

Once again Australia's much-lauded middle order was decimated by the reverse swing gained by Jones, in his best form since making his debut three years ago, and Andrew Flintoff.

Welshman Jones has become the ultimate exponent of the art, according to coach Duncan Fletcher, while Flintoff has disturbed the Aussies throughout the series to claim 16 wickets.

"I've worked hard on all areas of my game over the past 18 months and I'm delighted the hard work is starting to pay dividends," said Jones.

"I'm not going to rest on my laurels, though, because there are a few areas I want to work on and I think I can still get better.

"As for Fred [Flintoff], I am delighted for him. He's shown throughout this series that he is a world-class performer. You can tell that the Aussies are worried about him and are not sure how to play him so that's great for us."